8 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Agadir

The fine white sand that rims Agadir's shore makes it Morocco's most popular resort. For many visitors, a holiday here really is all about the beach. If you do want to mix up the sunbathing with some sightseeing though, Agadir is a great base from which to launch excursions and day trips into south Morocco. The picture-postcard fishing village of Essaouira is easily reached, as are the inland mountain villages. So if you've had enough of the sun and sea, there are a host of satisfying options that can tempt you away from the sun lounger.

1 Beach

Beach

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Agadir is all about the beach. This is Morocco's prime resort, and holidaymakers from Europe flock here throughout the year. The recent construction of a marina has also made this a good destination for yachters. The beach is rimmed by hotels and has a host of facilities along its length, including plenty of cafes and restaurants as well as sunshades and deckchairs for hire.

2 Kasbah

Kasbah

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The colossal walls of the Kasbah (fortress) are Agadir's only proper historic attraction. There are excellent views over the town from its position. It dates from the mid-16th century and once housed a bustling population within its walls. The best-preserved sections are the walls themselves and the gateway.

3 City Centre

City Centre

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The modern central core of Agadir has a few interesting monuments that make a nice diversion from sunbathing. The Grand Mosque is a modernist style structure and very unique among Morocco's mosques, while the Amazighe Museum displays some of Bert Flint's ethnographic collection, in conjunction with Marrakesh'sTiskiwine Museum.

4 Essaouira

Essaouira

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Essaouira is one of Morocco's loveliest seaside towns and its preserved 18th century seaport fortifications have been stamped with a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. Here you can wander through the narrow streets admiring the intricate carving details on the buildings and happily snapping photos of its myriad of quaint blue doors.

You come here for the atmosphere more than the sightseeing, but the Museum of Sidi Mohamed ben Abdullah is definitely worth checking out. Located in the former residence of a pasha, the museum houses regional art, a fascinating ethnographic collection and a history of the local musical traditions.

5 Taroudant

Taroudant

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Inland, set in the Souss Valley, the town of Taroudant is surrounded by mammoth terracotta walls that are an impressive and historic tourist draw. There are also excellent shopping opportunities within the town's souks, offering bargains galore for wily hagglers.

6 Tafraoute

Tafraoute

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Amid stunning mountain scenery of pink and orange rocks, Tafroute is the quintessential mountain village and a haven for walkers, hikers, climbers and nature-lovers. This peaceful place is nearly impossibly photogenic with is vast boulder landscape that never fails to impress. You can kick back and just enjoy the scenery, or there are endless trekking opportunities for more active travelers. Don't miss the Gorges of Ait Mansour and the prehistoric rock art near Annameur.

7 Tiznit

Tiznit

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Located at the end of the Anti-Atlas mountain range, the town of Tiznit is ringed by impressive fortifications that were only built in the 19th century. The local people here still dress in traditional costume so it's a good place to experience local life. The main reason visitors come here though is the souks. This is one of the best places in the country to buy Berber jewellery.

8 Souss-Massa National Park

Souss-Massa National Park

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This national park is prime bird watching territory with plenty of wildlife for keen spotters. The landscape is one of sand dunes, beaches and wetlands, located along the Atlantic coast. Some of the birds common to the national park include pink flamingos, ibis, ducks, doves and heron.